How Apple iOS 8 Protects User Privacy

Privacy is a rarity these days thanks to the internet and world of social media. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) understands that privacy is something most tech users want but don’t get. This is why the iPhone maker wants to change all that with the upcoming iOS 8, which is still currently in beta.

Luis Abreu, a U.K. based developer, recently shared his take on the six ways iOS 8 protects user privacy. Now that Apple is placing a primary focus on privacy, it looks as if the company is scoring a huge point against Android competitors.

Apple puts a focus on user privacy with iOS 8

The first thing he noted was Location APIs, which now requires apps to request “While app in use” permission when the app requests user’s location. The app could upgrade or downgrade the permission type when updated and display a confirmation prompt if the user hasn’t denied access previously. Location Access Monitoring is another exciting change. When apps use “While in use” permission continue to access location when not in the foreground will prompt the system to display message within a double-height status bar. Certain legacy apps running will automatically be given “Always” permission.

iOS 8 will still keep the user informed and in total control of the applications they use. Another key change with iOS 8 is apps need to have a solid reason to location. It is also necessary for the developer to clarify the reason it needs to access user location in text or the app will be rejected.

Camera gets privacy upgrade

The camera feature also now requires consent prior to access. Contact access has also changed and its now optional for times when you need to pick just one contact to invite or share. The API for contacts now supports contact list filtering which makes it easy to filter through contacts without email addresses.

Another big thing with iOS 8 is that Apple wants to make it more family friendly. Thanks to the Family Sharing feature, parents and guardians can now create Apple IDs for kids under 13 years of age. This enables users to create separate accounts for family members, share all purchases, and ask to buy. If a child tries to make a purchase, it prompts parents to confirm and purchase for them. Families concerned for their children’s privacy should be happy to know that apps made for kids are now required to have a privacy policy as well as promise it won’t take personal information.

Apple’s HeathKit will also encrypt most data while allowing iOS users to control what information is shared and how its shared. There are also privacy enhancements for Keychain, HomeKit, and HealthApp/Medical ID.